Green People: Lifecycles + Lifestyles

Riverbed Design

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND WA

At Riverbed, design is a critical element in how they approach
all projects, with a fundamental goal of deploying resources
efficiently.

They consider and discuss with clients the lifecycle benefits
and costs of the products they intend to create. Creative Director
and Principal Corbet Curfman explains: “First, we are clear
on the purpose behind each campaign, product or service before any
design work begins or resources are deployed. We ask questions
that challenge the purpose and scope of each initiative through the
lens of sustainability. Can we use digital options versus printed
forms, can we source low impact materials for use in production, are
there suppliers who share our core values of people, planet and
profit and can we help incubate a new material or process that is
gentler on the environment? As designers, we believe it is our duty
to partner with our clients to not only create effective and
delightful forms of communication but to educate them on the impact
of their initiatives and the greener options are increasingly
available.”

“Running a sustainable design firm allows us to feel good
about the work we are doing and fuels our passion to push for
continuous improvement. We consider our sustainable focus and
positioning a strategic advantage, and we have heard from our clients
that it is one of the reasons we are selected as their designer of
choice. Our clients value our experience and we share our lessons
learned along the way. Industry peers invite us to speak at
events and we love to share our knowledge as we inspire others in
this direction. Sustainability has been a benefit because we
don’t consider it an add-on service but one that is
standard practice within our portfolio of design, branding and
communication offerings.”

Sustainable West Seattle, a local non-profit promoting
sustainability at the grassroots level, collaborated with Riverbed
Design to create a Stormwater Education Program. Stormwater is
a significant problem in the Puget Sound region. Each year 14
million pounds of hazardous pollutants wash into the Sound from
impervious surfaces like paved streets, sidewalks, and rooftops.
This toxic contamination threatens human health, the economic
vitality of the region, and the survivability of the Puget’s
most emblematic species: salmon and orcas. Sustainable West
Seattle believes that by raising awareness among residents and
empowering them with tools to help, the Puget Sound may be
restored back to health. Riverbed developed a public service
campaign included a series of posters highlighting each event
in the program, online advertising, and an informational
brochure. These materials were printed on a digital press
using PCW recycled paper, FSC and SFI certified.